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Help after a flood

If you have been affected by flooding make sure you continue to stay up to date. We are responsible for coordinating the management of flood risks from:

As the Lead Local Flood Authority we may investigate the causes of flooding and will work with your local parish council, your community and other agencies.

To help you and others in the future, we would like to know how you have been affected by the flooding. Complete our survey to help us investigate how we can support you and others in the future.

For businesses affected by a flood, see what to do next.

What to do next and who to talk to

Here are some tips to help you after a flood happens:

Insurance

If your property is damaged by a flood, contact your insurance as soon as you can. Follow their advice, and take as many photographs as you can for evidence. If you do not know your insurance details, the Association of British Insurers website offers advice on what to do next.

Temporary accommodation

We understand that you may not wish to leave your property. However, if you need to, we recommend asking a friend and family to help you in the first instance.

If you can't continue to live in your home and you have nowhere else to live, ask your local district council to help you. Or contact your insurance company to see if they will cover other temporary accommodation.

If you rent your property, your landlord is responsible for repairs if your rented home is affected by flooding. Read advice from Citizen's Advice to see what support is available.

Money

If you are facing exceptional pressures as a result of an emergency or crisis, see how we can help you.

Health and Safety

Due to the nature of a flood, there are multiple Health and Safety risks that you need be aware of:

  • If you have been in contact with flood water or any debris, wash your hands thoroughly before handling any food.
  • If you are walking through a flood, always wear waterproof outerwear, wellingtons and gloves.

For further Health and Safety advice:

Being at home

Home repairs

For any repair work we advise you to use traders via Trading Standards Checked. Be aware of rogue traders, if you or someone else spots a trader exploiting a vulnerable neighbour report it to us.

Electricity and gas

If you have a power outage or a power line is down, contact UK Power Networks to report the problem. If you or someone you know is vulnerable, speak to UK Power Networks to sign up to their Priority Services Register.

Before entering back into your property, we recommend that a qualified person checks your electricity supply and gas or oil central heating.

Water

If you have no water, contact your water board. This depends on your location in Kent. If you're unsure visit Water UK.

Do not use tap water if you notice a change in the colour, taste or smell. Contact your water company if this happens.

Food

After a flood:

  • do not eat food that’s touched flood water
  • throw away food from a fridge if the electricity has been off for more than 4 hours
  • throw away food from a freezer if the electricity has been off for more than 24 hours

Mould and damp

To dry your home out, use dehumidifiers and open windows for ventilation to prevent damp and mould. If you are able to, we suggest putting the heating on. Mould should disappear as your home dries out but if it persists, contact a specialist cleaner.

Extra household rubbish

If you have extra rubbish that needs to be collected, contact your district council to find out if you can arrange a bulky waste collection. You can also take most domestic waste to a household waste recycling centre.

Sandbags may be supplied by your local district council however they are limited. Find out more about sandbags.

Sustainable drainage

If you have excess water in your local area, see how sustainable drainage (SUDs) can help remove it.

Keep up to date with the latest news

It's important to make sure you have the latest information to support you and your family. See who to get support from.